Swimming volunteers recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours

Swimmer Jane Asher, coach Wyndham Richard Davidson and disability swimming teacher Pauline Walker are amongst those recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2018.

Jane has been awarded a BEM for her voluntary services to swimming. The world Masters champion, who is currently competing at the British Masters Championships 2018 in Plymouth, has been involved in club swimming for many years. She has also spent many years inspiring others by teaching swimming.

The 87-year-old from London continues to swim for Kings Cormorants Swimming Club. Jane has set numerous Masters records and has competed at the highest levels of the sport.

Wyndham Richard Davidson, known by family and friends as ‘D’, has also been awarded a BEM for his services to swimming coaching in Shropshire and the West Midlands.

The 72-year-old from Bridgnorth was head coach at Northgate Swimming Club for 35 years and now coaches the youth team. He has also been involved with Shropshire county and has been involved with Swim England’s peer coaching programme.

Talking to the Shropshire Star, Wyndham said: “I was extremely pleased and somewhat surprised and shocked.

“It came completely out of the blue. I do not know who put my name forward and probably never will but I am very pleased, particularly on behalf of the sport because it helps to bring it to the fore.”

Also honoured with a BEM was Pauline Walker from Buckinghamshire for her work with young people with Down’s Syndrome.

Instrumental in the creation of the Electric Eels swimming club, Pauline continues to be involved in developing the club and teaching, including supporting the members to compete at competitions.

Congratulations to all those involved in sport who have been recognised in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

• Jane Asher, for volutary services to Swimming (London)
• Wyndham Richard Davidson, for services to Swimming Coaching in Shropshire and the West Midlands (Bridgnorth, Shropshire)
• Frank Jordan, for services to Swimming and Water Polo in Dundee (Dundee)
• Pauline Walker, for services to Swimming for Young People with Down’s Syndrome (Buckinghamshire)

Click here to read the full Queen’s Birthday Honours list 2018